There is Power in Positivity

Ah yes, the positivity quote! They can be a little irritating at times. Personally, I love them. A good “What defines us is how well we rise after falling” or “Dare to live your dreams,” I’m a sucker for all of that stuff.

I posted one myself recently. To make it worse, it was from the guy whose claim to fame is all about the cheesy positivity seminars, Mr. Tony Robbins: “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got.” In all honesty, sometimes I need to hear this stuff. Over the past few months, I’ve come to realize just how much I need it.

I have been reminded a lot lately about the value of my life and just how short it is, in everything from the religion discussion that I had with a friend over the weekend to a couple of shows about lives cut short that I watched with my son.

One of those shows was about a football player who was a prodigy on the field with a huge heart. He made a huge impact on the field and in his small hometown community. He seemed to have the world in the palm of his hand. Then he died in a horrific car accident at the young age of 36.

Wait a minute, I’m 36!

Then there are the stories that we’ve all been hearing lately of the poor children that don’t make it past two or three years. It’s a devastating reality but it reminds me of the gift that my life is. A gift that, I believe, shouldn’t be wasted with a negative outlook. Look at what we have that these kids will never have the chance to enjoy.

That kind of stuff sticks with me. My life could end today. How did I spend my last days? We hear it all the time: “Live each day as if it were your last,” which we can’t exactly do because none of us would spend our last day at work or washing dishes, folding clothes, cleaning the toilet, etc. So we are left to interpret that saying in our own way. For me it means that life is an adventure. Every little change and nuance in life. So enjoy it. All of it. What does it mean to you?

Since October of last year, my life has been going through quite a few changes. Some good, some bad. But it has been a constantly evolving state of change, no doubt. From chasing a dream to suddenly being thrust from my career. From being broke and out of work to being overwhelmed with work. This would drive some people crazy. However, I have learned to embrace it.

This isn’t to say I don’t have my share of doubts. I’m human. Although positivity has been my mantra for most of my adult life, I can panic and complain with the best of them. Just ask the wife! That is why you’ll see me post one of those positive quotes quite often. Yes they are cheesy and maybe social media can be a little over-saturated with it. But the truth is sometimes some of us need that. Especially me.

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